LF7263 DOUGLAS B-7

The Douglas B-7 (another designation: Douglas Y1B-7) was an American high-wing bomber with a classic solid undercarriage, which was flown in 1931. The overall length of the machine was 14 meters with a wingspan of 20 meters. The drive was provided by two Curtiss V-1570-53 engines with a capacity of 675 HP each. The maximum speed was up to 300 km / h, and the weight of the empty plane was approx. 2,500 kg. The deck armament consisted of two 7.62 mm machine guns. The machine could carry a load of bombs weighing up to 540 kilograms. The Douglas B-7 was originally designed as an observation plane for the US Air Force to compete for government orders with the Fokker XO-27. However, in the course of subsequent talks and negotiations, it was decided to adapt it to the role of a bomber and to initiate small-series production in 1932. The main features of the machine were seagull wings, with engines suspended in two nacelles. Overall, however, it was a rather conservative construction. Despite this, it was able to outrun the Boeing P-12 fighter in tests! Airplanes of this type, although quite successful in general, never entered mass production due to the introduction of much more modern machines into service, such as, above all, the Martin B-10.